Reflections: Heartaches To Heal…

“The ache of grief is always there, but the emptiness will lift one day. Their life to us the greatest gift, and only by living can it be repaid.” Jill Pendley

Reflections: Heartaches To Heal…

REMEMBER by Christina Rossetti
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay.

Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann’d:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.

Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad. via grief.com

The unfathomable tragedy that unfolded in Newtown, Connecticut, has left a deep crevice in our hearts. Some of us have expressed our horror in tears and outrage, others in numbness and silence. All need grief counseling and healing… I still weep for the victims. It will take time… The poems above and below have offered me solace in times of sorrow. My heart goes out to all the victims and families of this senseless massacre. My prayer is that we all reach out and offer comfort to those around us. We can each touch a heart and help begin the healing process. How are you coping?

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (in Victoria’s case, her 1st grade students) John 15:13

Reflections: Heartaches To Heal… Victoria Soto

THEN JOY STEPPED IN by Wilhelmina Stitch
Said she, ‘I will not live with grief from morrow unto morrow. My heart cries out for some relief, ‘Good-bye, my little sorrow.’
She closed the windows of her home and pulled down every blind. ‘I’m going forth, ‘ she cried, ‘to roam. You, Grief, can stay behind.’
‘And I’ll be gone the livelong day, expect me back to-night.’

Grief wanly watched her go away into the warmth and light; With quickened step and brightened eyes she mingled with the throng.
Instead of pale Grief’s moans and sighs she heard Endeavor’s song. She saw a sister, crossed the road and asked her how she fared:
Then helped to lift her heavy load and in the burden shared.

Throughout the day Self was suppressed whilst Service took its place. When she returned at night to rest – of Grief there was no trace!
But Joy stepped forth and sweetly said, ‘May I now be your friend instead? via grief.com

In times of great distress or sadness, people look for answers, heroes, and ways to help. We ask lots of questions… Why did Adam commit such a heinous act? Why the children? Why the staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School? We might not have the answers, but we can find comfort in the brave effort made by several staff members of Sandy Hook school. 1st grade teacher, Victoria Soto, gave her life so her students might live. She tried to shield her students and usher them into a closet when the gunman entered her classroom. RIP courageous staffers... RIP to the 20 children and all the adults. Offer someone a hug or a comforting word… More below

“Death leaves a heartache difficult to heal; Love leaves sweet memories no one can steal.” On A Tombstone in Ireland, dated 1889

When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die. via Wikipedia

I hope these poems for bereavement help you as they have helped me. I still weep for the victims. It will take time… May healing light and divine love embrace us all; let us all send out a quiet prayer for global healing… If you get the urge, send a card to someone in a care facility and help with the healing. There is no doubt the subject of gun control, especially access to assault weapons, must be addressed. How we assist people struggling with mental health issues is imperative too… Blessings to all!

*Please bear with me as I continue to catch up on your blogs and commenting… Thank you all for your patience!

Positive Motivation Tip: In times of great pain, healing can begin with us… Offer someone a hug or a comforting word.

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Absolutely beautiful poems. Just incredibly touching. The death of a child is the most terrible thing, so hard to accept or understand. I woke up this morning thinking of the families of the dead children, and what a grief-stricken Christmas they will have – and many more sad Christmases – without their child’s voice. Maybe they had already bought Christmas presents for them. It made me cry to think of that. There are no words. But THANK YOU for your beautiful, thoughtful post and the exquisitely chosen photos, too. Lots of love.

Thank you Petchary… “The death of a child is the most terrible thing, so hard to accept or understand.” You are so right… Even as a parent, I can’t begin to fathom the extent of their pain… Sad, very sad. {{{HUGS}}}

My hear grieve for the victims and theirs families. Victoria’s story showed the world what laying down ones life for the people sha loves meant. I can hold back my tears this morning as I watched the photos of those who died. My thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families. A very moving and comforting post. Thanks.

I’m taking your positive motivation tip to hear–{{{Hugs}}}
I hadn’t heard about Victoria Soto, but when I saw the picture I thought of an angel before I read her story. I find solace in your blog as always, but especially today.

It’s amazing to me how personal this terrible tragedy feels. I just keep repeating to myself, “children. why?” We may all drive ourselves insane trying to make sense of it all, but clearly we need advances and options in mental health care, not to mention gun control.
Thanks for the poems Elizabeth, and for your caring heart.
xob

I was in front of my TV, here in France and this tradegy moved me a lot ! I could not understand how these war weapons could be in the hands of a teenager. I pray from some change and I pray for these innocents victims. Hope that the violence will end…violence is like a cancer. in our societies…we need to find a therapy !

this is a beautiful post and offers healing words of comfort. it is surely difficult to live where the news keeps replaying that horrible day, and the emotional wounds keep reopening.
there are lessons for all of us – but we are all reminded to treasure our loved ones and tell them that we love them.
thanks for the lovely post,
z